Paris Olympics: "Abhinav Bindra's Unusual Baton Ritual Before Olympic Shooting Final"

PARIS OLYMPICS 2024

The Women's 10m Air Rifle final at the Paris 2024 Olympics featured a familiar Indian face just moments before the competition began. Abhinav Bindra, India's first-ever individual Olympic gold medalist, stood with a red baton in hand. Bindra tapped the baton three times on the floor, signaling the start of the final and the shooters' quest for gold. This unique occurrence marked the first time an Indian was invited to perform this honor at the Paris Olympics. 

This new tradition, known as the Red Baton or 'brigadier' ritual, involves a current or former athlete, public figure, or supporter tapping a red baton three times to commence an event. Inspired by French theatre, where a similar ritual was performed before any performance, this tradition dates back to the 17th century. The taps were a signal to the audience that the performance was about to begin, prompting them to maintain silence.

On Monday, July 29, former Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra was invited to perform the ritual.

According to Olympics.com, the Red Baton tradition holds various symbolic meanings. Some believe the three taps represent the essential elements in performing arts: the actors, the spectators, and the story. Others suggest it signifies the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Another theory is that it celebrates the actor's key positions on stage: facing the audience, stage left, and stage right.

Despite the ritual's significance, it did not bring luck to Indian shooter Ramita, who was eliminated in seventh place in the final.